Patients looking for the best dental care available have probably heard of holistic dentists.
What is a Holistic Approach to Dentistry?
Holistic dentists, also called biological dentists or biologic dentists, go to dental school and have the same degree as traditional dentists: either a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree, which are essentially interchangeable. Their approach to dental health sets biological dentists apart from general dentists. Biological dentists understand that the mouth is part of the whole body and that dental health and overall health are intertwined. You can’t have good oral health without body health, and vice versa.
The holistic approach also saves as much of the patient’s natural teeth as possible. There’s less of the “drilling and filling” approach to treating tooth decay or pulling teeth. Instead, holistic dentists follow an integrative approach and focus on the restoration of the natural tooth structure. Biological dentists carefully choose biocompatible materials that mimic the tooth’s natural properties when fillings, crowns, or implants are needed. These nontoxic materials last longer and won’t leach dangerous chemicals into the patient’s body.
What is the difference between a regular dentist and a holistic dentist? The difference between a regular dentist and a holistic dentist is how they approach treating oral health problems. Holistic dentists generally use less invasive procedures and nontoxic materials.
What are the benefits of holistic dentistry? The benefits of holistic dentistry are keeping more natural tooth tissue, using longer-lasting, nontoxic materials, and improved overall health by improving oral health.